New Report: Over 150 Million Americans Exposed to Dangerous Levels of Air Pollution

EPA standards indicate rising health risks—laboratories like IRIS play a key role in monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality

In late April, the American Lung Association (ALA) released its 2025 edition of the State of the Air report—and the findings are alarming.

According to the data, more than 156 million people in the United States live in areas that received a failing grade (“F”) for ozone or particle pollution. That’s 25 million more people than reported in last year’s edition, showing that air quality is worsening in many parts of the country.

Cities with the Most Dangerous Air Pollution Levels

The report identified several metro areas with particularly hazardous conditions:

• Bakersfield-Delano, California – ranked worst in the U.S. for short-term particle pollution, and also #1 for year-round particle pollution
• Fairbanks-College, Alaska – second-worst for short-term particle pollution
• Visalia, California – second-worst for both annual particle pollution and ozone pollution
• Los Angeles-Long Beach, California – ranked #1 for ozone pollution

What Does an “F” Grade Mean?

An “F” grade signals that air pollution levels in the area exceed what the EPA considers safe for human health. This means local residents are being exposed to elevated health risks, especially:

• Children
• Seniors
• People with asthma, heart disease, or respiratory conditions

EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Health Risks Associated with Air Pollution

Air pollution—especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone—can lead to:

• Exacerbation of asthma and chronic bronchitis
• Increased allergic reactions and irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
• Higher risk of cardiovascular diseases
• Potential increase in lung cancer incidence
• Reduced life expectancy in heavily polluted regions

The American Lung Association emphasizes that clean air is not a luxury—it’s a basic human right, and calls for stricter public policy to protect communities.

The Role of Climate Change

The report also highlights how climate change is making air pollution worse. Rising temperatures, heatwaves, droughts, and large-scale wildfires have led to increased air pollution levels in recent years.

Massive wildfires in California, Oregon, and Alaska have released thick plumes of smoke, affecting air quality in neighboring states. These extreme events not only degrade local air but also spread hazardous particles over vast areas—sometimes hundreds of miles.

How We Can Tackle the Problem

While the outlook is serious, experts agree there are effective ways to improve air quality:

• Tighten regulations on industrial and vehicle emissions
• Invest in clean, renewable energy sources
  Promote sustainable transportation options like electric vehicles and reliable public transit
• Improve air monitoring in vulnerable communities

The Importance of Environmental Labs in the Fight for Clean Air

None of these solutions work without reliable air quality data—and that’s where environmental testing laboratories come in.

Specialized labs can detect and measure:

• Airborne particles (PM2.5, PM10)
• Mold spores
• Asbestos fibers
• Lead dust
• Other indoor and outdoor pollutants

IRIS Environmental Laboratories, for example, is a certified laboratory serving New Jersey and New York, focused on asbestos, mold, dust, and other hazardous contaminants.

Using advanced technology and highly trained professionals, IRIS supports businesses, government agencies, and families in detecting invisible threats to health and safety.

Whether you need to:

• Ensure indoor air safety
• Meet regulatory requirements
• Investigate mold or asbestos after water damage

IRIS Laboratories delivers fast, accurate, and science-backed solutions.

Clean air is not optional—it’s essential.
Contact IRIS Environmental Laboratories to schedule your air quality inspection and protect what matters most: your health.